Why Your Leopard Gecko Tank Smells (And How to Fix It)

A clean gecko tank should never smell like a trash bin.

If you’re getting hit with a nasty whiff every time you walk past your leopard gecko’s setup, something’s off. And no, it’s not just because reptiles are “dirty.” Leopard geckos are actually pretty clean animals.

So why does the tank reek?

In most cases, it comes down to one or more simple problems — old poop, rotting food, mold, or bad airflow.

I’ll break down every reason your gecko tank might smell, and show you exactly how to fix it.

Do Leopard Geckos Smell Naturally?

Nope. Leopard geckos don’t have a natural body odor.

They actually groom themselves with their tongue and like staying clean. If your gecko smells bad, it’s not them — it’s their tank.

A dirty tank, stuck-on poop, or moldy decor is usually the real reason behind the stink. Keep their space clean, and your gecko will stay odor-free.

Common Reasons Your Gecko Tank Smells

Poop and Pee

Leopard geckos poop in the same spot, but if you don’t clean it up quickly, the smell builds up. Urates (their version of pee) can also stink if they stay too long, especially in warm or humid tanks.

Rotting Food and Dead Bugs

Did your gecko ignore a cricket or worm? It might’ve crawled off and died somewhere. Rotting bugs smell terrible. Same with uneaten food left in the tank overnight.

Mold in the Tank

Too much moisture or not enough airflow? Mold will show up. Mold smells musty and spreads fast if ignored.

Dirty Substrate

Paper towels, sand, carpet, whatever you use—if it soaks up waste or water, it’ll start to stink. Some substrates also trap bacteria deep inside.

Discover more cool facts about Leopard Gecko with this detailed post! Are Tiny Bugs Crawling in Your Leopard Gecko Tank? Do These

Filthy Hides and Decor

Poop and dead bugs can hide inside those cute cave hides or under fake plants. If you never check them, they become stink bombs.

Cold Tank Temps

If your gecko stays too cold, it can’t digest food properly. This leads to gas, runny poop, and more smell.

Protein-Heavy Diet

Too many crickets or worms = smelly poop. High-protein diets can cause gas, which makes things worse.

Possible Illness

If the smell is extreme and the poop looks off (runny, bloody, weird color), your gecko might be sick. Time to call a reptile vet.

How Often Should You Clean the Tank?

To keep smells away, you’ll need to clean the tank on a regular schedule. Here’s what I recommend:

• Spot clean: Every day
• Light clean: Once a week
• Deep clean: Once a month

Each type of substrate needs its own routine too. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Substrate	How Often to Change or Clean
Paper towels	Replace 1–2 times a week
Newspaper	Replace 1–2 times a week
Reptile carpet	Wash 2–3 times a month
Ceramic tiles	Spot clean daily, deep clean monthly
Loose substrate (soil, sand)	Replace every 3–4 months

If the tank smells bad before your cleaning day, don’t wait. Just clean it early. Smell = warning sign.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Leopard Gecko Tank

Before you start, gather what you’ll need:

• Gloves
• Paper towels
• A scrubber or sponge
• Reptile-safe cleaner (or vinegar + water)
• Warm water
• Trash bag
• Temporary carrier for your gecko

Step 1: Move Your Gecko

Gently place your gecko in a separate box or carrier. Add paper towels so it feels safe. If you’re using any spray cleaner, keep your gecko in another room until the smell is gone.

Step 2: Unplug Everything

Turn off and unplug heat lamps, lights, mats — anything electric. Let them cool down before you clean around them.

Step 3: Take Out Everything

Remove hides, bowls, decorations, and any loose items. If something smells bad, clean it or toss it. Don’t forget to check inside hides — poop and dead bugs love hiding there.

Step 4: Spot or Deep Clean

For spot cleaning (daily):

• Pick up poop and uneaten food
• Wipe down surfaces with paper towel
• Replace dirty substrate like paper towels

For deep cleaning (monthly):

• Take out all substrate
• Scrub the tank walls and floor with warm soapy water
• Rinse and wipe down with clean water
• Spray a reptile-safe disinfectant or vinegar mix (1:1 with water)
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes
• Rinse again and dry everything fully

Curious about Leopard Gecko? This post is packed with info you won’t want to miss! The Only 3 Hides Your Leopard Gecko Truly Needs

Step 5: Clean Decor and Bowls

Wash all bowls, rocks, and hides with soapy water. Scrub off poop, dirt, or mold. Rinse well and dry before putting back.

Step 6: Add Fresh Substrate

Lay down clean substrate. Don’t reuse dirty pieces, even if they “look fine.”

Step 7: Reassemble and Return Gecko

Put everything back in the tank. Plug in the heating and lighting again. Once it’s warm, return your gecko.

Why Does My Gecko Smell Like Pee or Poop?

If your gecko smells bad, it’s not coming from their body. It’s coming from their environment.

Leopard geckos pee and poop in solid form, but if it sits too long — especially in warm or humid tanks — the smell can stick to their body or feet.

Also, if they walk over waste or sleep near a dirty spot, they’ll carry that stink with them.

Clean the tank often, and they won’t smell like anything at all.

Quick Checklist to Keep the Tank Smell-Free

• Spot clean poop and pee every day
• Remove uneaten bugs within a few hours
• Wipe food bowls and surfaces weekly
• Keep temperatures in the right range for digestion
• Make sure there’s airflow to prevent mold
• Deep clean the tank once a month
• Clean hides and decorations often
• Replace dirty substrate on time
• Watch your gecko’s poop — if it’s weird, check their health

This routine keeps the tank fresh and your gecko happy.